Mike Francis/The OregonianGov. Ted Kulongoski's Veterans Day trip to Iraq was a surprise to Oregon Army National Guard troops. He offered his high opinion of Guard soldiers to Master Sgt. Tom Hovie, who works in the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team's public affairs office and recorded the governor's visit.
CAMP ADDER, Iraq -- Gov. Ted Kulongoski spent three hours Wednesday at the military base where the Oregon Army National Guard's 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team is headquartered. He was whisked to back-to-back appearances, wishing soldiers a happy Veterans Day at each stop.

It was part of a whirlwind tour of four governors -- Kulongoski, Georgia's Sonny Perdue, Wyoming's Dave Freudenthal and Mississippi's Haley Barbour -- to the country where each state has soldiers stationed. For Kulongoski, it was the third trip to Iraq as governor, and he says he sees progress.

His first trip, in 2004, was rather placid; the second, in 2007, was frightening. "This time, it's attitudinal," he said. "People have a sense that whatever happens, another transition is going on."

Kulongoski, who met Tuesday night with Gen. Raymond Odierno, the top commander in Iraq, and with Ambassador Chris Hill, said Wednesday that the United States is "giving Iraq the ball, hoping that Iraqis can pick it up and get in the game."

The governor was cheerful but visibly tired -- 11 hours ahead of West Coast time. He said he hadn't slept since the day before, joking after getting off the C-130 aircraft, "Is this Monday?"

Kulongoski was taken first to a town hall meeting where his talking points to about 350 Oregon Guard soldiers focused on the Oregon economy: how it "has not gotten a lot easier" since they deployed in July; his hopes for an economy powered by alternative energy jobs; and the push for Congress to pass some version of Sen. Ron Wyden's soft-landing package so Guard soldiers could extend their paid transition from federal active duty to civilian status.

During the 25-minute session, Kulongoski took two questions about the prospects of a health care overhaul, and the likelihood of cuts to Oregon's education budget. To the latter, he predicted more federal stimulus spending would benefit Oregon schools, but added that schools must set priorities. "You can't do it all."

The governor then was taken to the nearby Ziggurat of Ur, an archaeological treasure more than 4,000 years old, and he saw the house purported to have been where Abraham grew up. He stood with Oregon soldiers for photos and to record video greetings to soldiers' families.

Finally, he was taken to a dining facility where he shared an assembly line meal and a little conversation with soldiers. He said he hopes that people at home recognize the sacrifices they make, especially when they deploy repeatedly.

Kulongoski said he had hoped to visit between Thanksgiving and Christmas, but the Defense Department slotted him for a visit on Veterans Day, then swore him to secrecy about the timing. The holidays, he said, "are the worst time of the year for these guys."

When he returned to the C-130 to depart Camp Adder, the governor carried 100 or so pink cards soldiers had filled out at his invitation. The cards contained addresses of loved ones back home. The governor promised to call or send letters to each of them.